BORDER SHUT
The recent friction between the two former allies erupted after Islamabad demanded that the Afghan Taliban administration tackle militants who have stepped up attacks in Pakistan, saying they operate from havens in Afghanistan.
The Taliban accuses the Pakistani military of conspiring against Afghanistan by spreading misinformation, provoking border tension, and sheltering ISIS-linked militants to undermine the country’s stability and sovereignty.
Pakistan’s military denies the charges and points to attacks in Pakistan by ISIS-K, or Islamic State Khorasan, the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group active in the neighbours.
It opposes the Taliban and has carried out bombings targeting civilians, officials and foreign interests.
The neighbours have closed several crossings along their border in the aftermath of the fighting, bringing trade to a halt and stranding scores of vehicles laden with goods.
Pakistan is the main source of goods and food supplies for landlocked, impoverished Afghanistan.
Last week’s clashes drew international concern, with China urging protection for both its citizens and investments, Russia calling for restraint, and US President Donald Trump saying he could help end the conflict.
The latest tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan has coincided with Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s first visit to Pakistan’s arch-rival, India.
On the visit, India and Afghanistan decided to upgrade ties, with New Delhi saying it would reopen its embassy in Kabul, while the Afghan Taliban plans to send its diplomats to India.
